Waste heat recovery system

ABSTRACT

A waste heat recovery system is provided. The system comprises: a water storage device, a heat exchanger coil, a water source, a valve and a pump. The heat exchanger coil is connected to the refrigerator and extends into the water storage device, wherein the heat exchanger coil is configured to absorb the heat energy generated from the refrigerator so as to heat water in the water storage device to a first temperature. The water source is configured to supply water. The valve is connected between the water source and the water storage device and is configured to control a flow of water from the water source into the water storage device. The pump is connected to the water storage device and is configured to control the output of water from the water storage device to at least one external device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention claims the benefit of priority of Taiwan application No. 105219945 of Dec. 29, 2016, entitled “Refrigerator Heat Recovery Apparatus,” the content of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a heat recovery system and, in particular, to a heat recovery system for a refrigerator.

Description of the Related Art

A refrigerator can store various foods or beverages at a low temperature so that the articles are cooled and/or frozen for preservation. When a refrigerator reaches a predetermined temperature and is in operation, a compressor compresses a refrigerant and pushes it into a condenser outside the body of the refrigerator. The refrigerant in the condenser is cooled by air and converted into a liquid status. Under capillary action or through an expansion valve, the liquid refrigerant is in a status of low temperature and low pressure. Then, the liquid refrigerant, through an evaporator, is converted into a gaseous refrigerant and absorbs heat in the closed space in the refrigerator. Finally, the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the compressor where the cycle starts all over.

When the compressor compresses the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant into the condenser outside of the refrigerator, a large amount of waste heat energy is generated. Such waste energy is mostly discharged or dissipated in the air and is not reused or recovered for other purposes.

With increasing awareness of environmental issues and the heightened importance of green energy in recent years, a waste heat recovery system that can recycle/recover energy generated from a refrigerator is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a heat recovery system for a refrigerator is provided. The system comprises: a water storage device, a heat exchanger coil, a water source, a valve and a pump. The heat exchanger coil is connected to the refrigerator and extends into the water storage device, wherein the heat exchanger coil is configured to absorb the heat energy generated from the refrigerator so as to heat water in the water storage device to a first temperature. The water source is configured to supply water. The valve is connected between the water source and the water storage device and is configured to control a flow of water from the water source into the water storage device. The pump is connected to the water storage device and is configured to control the output of water from the water storage device to at least one external device.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a heat recovery system for a refrigerator is provided. The system comprises: a water storage device, a heat exchanger coil, a water source, a valve, a first pump and a second pump. The heat exchanger coil is connected between the refrigerator and the water storage device, wherein the heat exchanger coil is configured to absorb the heat energy generated from the refrigerator so as to heat water in the water storage device to a first temperature. The water source is configured to supply water. The valve is connected between the water source and the water storage device and is configured to control a flow of water from the water source into the water storage device. The first pump is connected between the water storage device and the heat exchanger coil and is configured to control the flow of water from the water storage device to the heat exchanger coil. The second pump is connected to the water storage device and is configured to control the output of the water from the water storage device to at least one external device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat recovery system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a heat recovery system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a heat recovery system for a refrigerator 110 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes: a heat exchanger coil 120, a bucket 130 (i.e., a water storage device), a water source 140, a valve 150, and a pump 160. In an alternative embodiment, the bucket 130 can be replaced with a tank 130. The refrigerator 110 is configured to maintain a temperature a few degrees above the freezing point of water for perishable food storage. The heat exchanger coil 120 is connected to the refrigerator 110 and extends into the bucket 130 and is configured to absorb waste heat generated by the refrigerator 110. The water source 140 includes, but is not limited to, a faucet for supplying running water. The valve 150 is connected between the water source 140 and the bucket 130 and is configured to control a flow of water from the water source 140 into the bucket 130. The pump 160 is connected to the bucket 130 and is configured to control the output of water from the bucket 130 to the external devices 180.

When the refrigerator 110 generates waste heat, the heat exchanger coil 120 that extends into the bucket 1130 absorbs the heat dissipated by the refrigerator 110 and conveys the heat to the water in the bucket 130 so that water in the bucket 130 is heated to a moderate temperature, such as between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, but is not limited thereto.

Then, a control unit 170 turns on the pump 160 so that the moderate temperature water in the bucket 130 is pumped to at least one external device 180. Such external device 180 includes, but is not limited to, a household appliance, such as a water heater or a thermos bottle, and a hot water storage container, such as a hot water bag or a hot water tank. For example, if the external device 180 is a water heater, a user may use the moderate temperature water for a shower. If the external device 180 is a thermos bottle, a user may directly drink the moderate temperature water. In this way, energy for heating water may be effectively saved.

In one embodiment, the on/off function of the pump 160 and the open/close function of the valve 150 are controlled by the same control unit (for example, the control unit 170). In another embodiment, they are controlled by different control units.

In one embodiment, preferably, a temperature detector (not shown in the drawings) is disposed in the bucket 130 and is configured to detect a water temperature inside the bucket 130. For example, when the water temperature inside the bucket 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature, for example, 30 degrees Celsius, the pump 160 is turned on, so as to output the moderate temperature water in the bucket 130 to the external devices 180.

In addition, preferably, a water level detector (not shown in the drawings) is disposed in the bucket 130 and is configured to detect a water level inside the bucket 130. For example, when the water level inside the bucket 130 is equal to or less than a low water level, the valve 150 is opened so that the water source 140 outputs water to the bucket 130. When the water level inside the bucket 130 is equal to or greater than a high water level, the valve 150 is closed, so as to prevent the water coming from the water source 140 from entering into the bucket 130.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger coil 120 is disposed outside the refrigerator 110, but in another embodiment, the heat exchanger coil 120 is integrated with and disposed in the refrigerator 110 for saving space.

Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a schematic diagram of a heat recovery system for a refrigerator 210 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heat recovery system 200 includes: a heat exchanger coil 220, a bucket 230, a water source 240, a valve 250, a first pump 260, and a second pump 270. The refrigerator 210 is configured to freeze and/or cool food. The heat exchanger coil 220 is connected to the refrigerator 210 and is configured to absorb waste heat generated by the refrigerator 210. The water source 240 includes, but is not limited to, a faucet for supplying running water. The valve 250 is connected between the water source 240 and the bucket 230 and is configured to control a flow of water from the water source 240 into the bucket 230. The first pump 260 is connected between the bucket 230 and the heat exchanger coil 220 and is configured to control water from the bucket 230 to flow into the heat exchanger coil 220. The second pump 270 is connected to the bucket 230 and is configured to control the output of the water from the bucket 230 to the external devices 280.

In operation, the refrigerator 210 generates waste heat and the heat exchanger coil 220 that extends into the water bucket 230 absorbs the heat energy dissipated by the refrigerator 210 so as to heat water passing through the heat exchanger coil 220 to a moderate temperature. Subsequently, the heated moderate temperature water is output to and stored in the bucket 230. The moderate temperature is between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, but is not limited thereto. The foregoing operation continues until a water temperature inside the bucket 230 reaches a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is preferably between 20 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius, but is not limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, when the water temperature inside the bucket 230 reaches the predetermined temperature, a control unit 290 turns off the first pump 260 so as to cease the water heating operation, thereby saving energy.

Then, the control unit 290 turns on the second pump 270 so that the moderate temperature water in the bucket 230 is output to external devices 280. The external devices 280 include, but are not limited to, a household appliance such as a water heater or a thermos bottle, and a hot water storage container such as a hot water bag or a hot water tank. For example, if the external device 280 is a water heater, a user may use the moderate temperature water for a shower. If the external device 280 is a thermos bottle, a user may directly drink the moderate temperature water. In this way, energy for heating water may be effectively saved.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the open/close function of the valve 250 and the on/off function of the first pump 260 and those of the second pump 270 are controlled by the same control unit (for example, the control unit 290). In another embodiment, they are separately controlled by different control units.

In this embodiment, preferably, a temperature detector (not shown in the drawings) is disposed in the bucket 230 and is configured to detect the water temperature of the water inside the bucket 230. For example, when the water temperature inside the bucket 230 is heated to a predetermined temperature, for example, 30 degrees Celsius, the second pump 270 is turned on and outputs the moderate temperature water in the bucket 230 to the external devices 280.

In addition, in this embodiment, preferably, a water level detector (not shown in the drawings) is disposed in the bucket 230 and is configured to detect a water level inside the bucket 230. For example, when the water level inside the bucket 230 is equal to or less than a low water level, the valve 250 is opened so that the water source 240 outputs water to the bucket 230. When the water level inside the bucket 230 is equal to or greater than a high water level, the valve 250 is closed so as to prevent the water coming from the water source 240 from entering into the bucket 230.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger coil 220 is disposed outside the refrigerator 210, but in another embodiment, the heat exchanger coil 220 is integrated with and disposed in the refrigerator 210 to save space.

In conclusion, the heat recovery system in the embodiments of the present invention can be used to recover and reuse waste heat generated by the refrigerator, thereby effectively reducing electric energy consumption and achieving an effect of environmental protection.

The present invention is described by using the foregoing related embodiments. However, the foregoing embodiments are merely examples of the present invention. It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. On the contrary, modifications and equivalent settings that are included in the spirit and scope of the claims all fall within the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heat recovery system for a refrigerator, comprising: a water storage device; a heat exchanger coil, connected to the refrigerator and extending into the water storage device, wherein the heat exchanger coil is configured to absorb the heat energy generated from the refrigerator so as to heat water in the water storage device to a first temperature; a water source, configured to supply water; a valve, connected between the water source and the water storage device and configured to control a flow of water from the water source into the water storage device; and a pump, connected to the water storage device and configured to control the output of water from the water storage device to at least one external device.
 2. The heat recovery system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control an on/off function of the pump and the valve.
 3. The heat recovery system according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger coil is integrated with and disposed in the refrigerator.
 4. The heat recovery system according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature detector disposed in the water storage device and configured to detect a water temperature inside the water storage device, wherein when the water temperature inside the water storage device reaches a predetermined temperature, the pump is turned on to output the water in the water storage device to the at least one external device.
 5. The heat recovery system according to claim 1, further comprising a water level detector disposed in the water storage device and configured to detect a water level inside the water storage device, wherein the valve is opened when the water level inside the water storage device is equal to or less than a first water level, and the valve is closed when the water level in the water storage device level is equal to or greater than a second water level, wherein the second water level is higher than the first water level.
 6. The heat recovery system according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature is between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
 7. The heat recovery system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one external device includes: a water heater, a thermos bottle, a hot water bag, and/or a hot water tank.
 8. A heat recovery system for a refrigerator, comprising: a water storage device; a heat exchanger coil, connected between the refrigerator and the water storage device, wherein the heat exchanger coil is configured to absorb the heat energy generated from the refrigerator so as to heat water in the water storage device to a first temperature; a water source, configured to supply water; a valve, connected between the water source and the water storage device and configured to control a flow of water from the water source into the water storage device; a first pump, connected between the water storage device and the heat exchanger coil and configured to control the flow of water from the water storage device to the heat exchanger coil; and a second pump, connected to the water storage device and configured to control the output of the water from the water storage device to at least one external device.
 9. The heat recovery system according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit, configured to control the on/off function of the first pump, the second pump, and the valve.
 10. The heat recovery system according to claim 8, wherein the heat exchanger coil is integrated with and disposed in the refrigerator.
 11. The heat recovery system according to claim 8, further comprising a temperature detector disposed in the water storage device and configured to detect a water temperature inside the water storage device, wherein when the water temperature inside the water storage device reaches a predetermined temperature, the second pump is turned on to output water in the water storage device to the at least one external device.
 12. The heat recovery system according to claim 8, further comprising a water level detector disposed in the water storage device and configured to detect a water level inside the water storage device, wherein the valve is opened when the water level inside the water storage device is equal to or less than a first water level, and the valve is closed when the water level in the water storage device level is equal to or greater than a second water level, wherein the second water level is higher than the first water level.
 13. The heat recovery system according to claim 8, wherein the first temperature is between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
 14. The heat recovery system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one external device includes: a water heater, a thermos bottle, a hot water bag, and/or a hot water tank.
 15. A method of recovering heat from a refrigerator, comprising the steps of: providing a water storage device; providing a heat exchanger coil connected to the refrigerator and extending into the water storage device; absorbing the heat energy generated from the refrigerator with the heat exchanger coil; heating water in the water storage device to a first temperature with the absorbed heat energy; providing a water source; providing a valve, connected between the water source and the water storage device for controlling a flow of water from the water source into the water storage device; providing a pump, connected to the water storage device and configured to control the output of water from the water storage device to at least one external device; and outputting water in the water storage device to at least one external device when the temperature in the water storage device reaches a predetermined temperature. 